Insights

From 1 April 2026, every commercial property in England and Wales gets a new business rates valuation. The Valuation Office Agency has updated the rateable values that councils use to calculate bills, and the current 2023 rating list closes on 31 March 2026. You can already look up your future rateable value on GOV.UK to see what is coming.

If you own or run a business, then this summary briefing is for you. Running a business or managing family wealth means making decisions before the picture is perfectly clear. At our recent briefing with the Bank of England’s West Midlands Agent, Graeme Chaplin, we heard a consistent message: the UK outlook has stabilised compared with last year, but costs and rates can still move, so sensible buffers and sound planning remain key.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill includes proposals to ban upwards only rent reviews in commercial leases. As of March 2026, the Bill continues to progress through the House of Lords with exact details still to be determined. The direction of travel, however, points to a ban on upwards-only rent reviews taking effect during 2026, so landlords, tenants and lenders should plan now for rents that may move up or down, and for the knock on effects on valuations and funding.

Some workplaces do not have structured policies or trained managers, leading to failures to recognise where adjustments and extra support is required. Without clear policies, small misunderstandings can escalate into grievances and disciplinary matters.

Award-winning multi-regional law firm, Higgs LLP is celebrating four of its talented trainees as they qualify into the profession this month, marking an important step in their career journeys and an equally proud moment for the firm.

Philip Barnsley, partner and head of family at Higgs LLP, joined Talking Family Law for an episode titled The Five Questions You Really Want to Ask But Feel That You Can't.

Given the passage of time between the introduction of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 and the Electronic Communications Code, there was some disharmony in the valuation regime between the two pieces of legislation.

From 30 March 2026, the 6th edition of the TA6 Property Information Form will come into use for residential property transactions in England and Wales.

Spring 2026 is set to be a busy time for property owners as the government proposes major changes which, if they come into effect, would transform the property landscape in England and Wales.

When a relationship breaks down, you might find yourself wanting or needing to move to a new area. If you share parenting responsibilities with your former partner, moving away with your child isn't always straightforward.

The legal system now refers to "child arrangements." So, what's changed, and does it matter? This guide will explain everything you need to know in plain English.

Higgs LLP today announces that it has acquired Vialex Limited, a Scottish based legal business, together with its specialist employment law arm, Navigator Employment Law Limited. Vialex Limited is a provider of corporate and commercial legal services to high growth, mid-market and private equity backed owner-managed businesses and is known for its outsourced Legal Counsel Service and transactional expertise.